Strap system for securing a payload

ABSTRACT

The present invention discloses a strap system for securing a payload. The strap system includes a first fastener having a connecting crosspiece, a reversing crosspiece, and a hanger capable of attaching to the payload, and all connected together on each side by lateral members. The strap system also includes a strap attached to the connecting crosspiece of the first fastener and capable of passing around the reversing crosspiece and tightening the strap around the payload.

This application claims the benefit of, priority to, and is a divisionalof Non-Provisional application Ser. No. 16/884,004 entitled “A Strap forSecuring a Payload” and filed on May 26, 2020, which claims the benefitof, priority to, and is a continuation-in-part of Non-Provisionalapplication Ser. No. 16/052,223 entitled “A Strap for Securing aPayload” and filed on Aug. 1, 2018, now abandoned, which are allincorporated herein by reference in their entirety for all purposes.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present invention relates to the field of strap systems for securinga payload.

BACKGROUND ART

Not applicable.

SUMMARY OF INVENTION

The present invention discloses a strap system for securing a payload. Astrap system according to embodiments of the present invention includesa first fastener having a connecting crosspiece, a reversing crosspiece,and a hanger capable of attaching to the payload. The connectingcrosspiece, the reversing crosspiece, and the hanger are connectedtogether on each side by lateral members. A strap system according toembodiments of the present invention also includes a strap attached tothe connecting crosspiece of the first fastener and capable of passingaround the reversing crosspiece and tightening the strap around thepayload. The hanger useful in embodiments of the present invention mayinclude two hook spurs and may further include a hook crosspiececonnecting the distal ends of the two hook spurs.

A strap useful in embodiments of the present invention may include anelastic strap section connected to the connecting crosspiece of thefirst fastener at one end of the elastic strap section, an inelasticstrap section connected to the elastic strap section at an opposite endof the elastic strap section as the first fastener, and a secondfastener configured along the inelastic strap section to secure theinelastic strap section to the inelastic strap section when the strap iswrapped around the payload.

The second fastener useful in embodiments of the present invention mayinclude a hook and loop fastener system. That hook and loop fastenersystem may include loops configured along both sides of the inelasticstrap section at a closest region to the elastic strap section and hooksconfigured along both sides of the inelastic strap section at a farthestregion from the elastic strap section. Alternatively, the hook and loopfastener system may include loops configured along one side of theinelastic strap section at a closest region to the elastic strap sectionand hooks configured along both sides of the inelastic strap section ata farthest region from the elastic strap section. In other embodiments,the hook and loop fastener system may include loops configured along oneside of the inelastic strap section at a closest region to the elasticstrap section and hooks configured along the one side of the inelasticstrap section at a farthest region from the elastic strap section. Instill further embodiments, the hook and loop fastener system may includeloops configured along one side of the inelastic strap section at aclosest region to the elastic strap section and hooks configured alongan opposite side of the inelastic strap section at a farthest regionfrom the elastic strap section. In other embodiments, the hook and loopfastener system may include loops configured along both sides of theinelastic strap section at a closest region to the elastic strap sectionand hooks configured along one side of the inelastic strap section at afarthest region from the elastic strap section.

Certain embodiments according to the present invention include methodsof securing a payload. Such exemplary method embodiments includepositioning a first fastener adjacent to the payload. The first fastenerin such methods includes a connecting crosspiece, a reversingcrosspiece, and a hanger capable of attaching to the payload. In suchexemplary methods, the connecting crosspiece, the reversing crosspiece,and the hanger are connected together on each side by lateral members.Positioning a first fastener adjacent to the payload may include hookingthe hanger of the first fastener onto the payload. In other embodiment,however, the hanger may not be hooked to the payload.

Such exemplary method embodiments also include wrapping a strap aroundthe payload. The strap in such exemplary methods are attached to theconnecting crosspiece of the first fastener and include an elastic strapsection connected to the connecting crosspiece of the first fastener atone end of the elastic strap section and an inelastic strap sectionconnected to the elastic strap section at an opposite end of the elasticstrap section as the first fastener.

Such exemplary method embodiments include cinching the elastic strapsection of the strap around the payload and wrapping the inelastic strapsection of the strap around the elastic region. Wrapping the inelasticstrap section of the strap around the elastic region according toembodiments of the present invention may include wrapping the straparound the payload in an initial direction, passing the strap betweenthe connecting crosspiece and the reversing crosspiece of the firstfastener, and pulling on the strap in a direction opposite of theinitial direction to tighten the strap around the payload.Alternatively, wrapping the inelastic strap section of the strap aroundthe elastic region according to embodiments of the present invention mayinclude wrapping the strap around the payload in an initial direction,passing the strap over the first fastener, and pulling on the strap inthe initial direction to tighten the strap around the payload.

Such exemplary method embodiments also include fastening a first portionof the inelastic strap section of the strap to a second portion of theinelastic strap section to secure the strap in place around the payload.Fastening a first portion of the inelastic strap section of the strap toa second portion of the inelastic strap section according to embodimentsof the present invention may include fastening the first portion to thesecond portion on a same side of the strap. Alternatively, fastening afirst portion of the inelastic strap section of the strap to a secondportion of the inelastic strap section according to embodiments of thepresent invention may include fastening the first portion to the secondportion on opposite sides of the strap.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and constitute apart of this specification, illustrate an implementation of apparatusconsistent with the present invention and, together with the detaileddescription, serve to explain advantages and principles consistent withthe invention. In the drawings,

FIG. 1 sets forth line drawings illustrating a perspective view of anexemplary first fastener used in an exemplary strap system for securinga payload according to embodiments of the present invention.

FIGS. 2A-D set forth line drawings illustrating perspective views of anexemplary strap system for securing a payload according to embodimentsof the present invention.

FIGS. 3A-C set forth line drawings illustrating perspective views of anexemplary strap system for securing a payload according to embodimentsof the present invention.

FIGS. 4A-E set forth line drawings illustrating top view of both sidesof an exemplary inelastic strap section used in an exemplary strapsystem for securing a payload according to embodiments of the presentinvention.

FIG. 5 sets forth a line drawing illustrating an exemplary method forsecuring a payload according to embodiments of the present invention.

FIGS. 6A-B set forth line drawings illustrating perspective views of anexemplary strap system for securing a payload according to embodimentsof the present invention.

FIGS. 7A-B set forth line drawings illustrating perspective views of anexemplary strap system for securing a payload according to embodimentsof the present invention.

DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS

Exemplary embodiments of a strap system for securing a payload aredescribed herein with reference to the accompanying drawings, beginningwith FIG. 1 . FIG. 1 sets forth line drawings illustrating a perspectiveview of an exemplary first fastener (102) used in an exemplary strapsystem for securing a payload according to embodiments of the presentinvention. A payload may include any item that needs to be secured foruse, storage and/or transport. Exemplary straps systems according toembodiments of the present invention may be used to secure a variety ofpayloads including, for example, bulky items to racks, equipment itemson a trailer, cargo on a vehicle. Some payloads that need to be securedmay not need to be secured to another item such as a vehicle, trailer,or rack, but rather need to be secured to itself. For example, currentprior art straps used to secure certain items to vehicles often haveexcess length that flaps around in the wind like a long ribbon.Exemplary straps systems according to embodiments of the presentinvention may be used to secure a payload in the form of the excesslength of another strap that is used to secure an item in a vehicle. Inthis way, exemplary straps systems according to embodiments of thepresent invention advantageously help keep the excess length of othercurrent prior art straps secured to themselves so that they do not flaparound in the wind or are otherwise exposed needlessly to the whims ofthe environment.

The exemplary first fastener (102) of FIG. 1 includes a connectingcrosspiece (200). In FIG. 1 , the connecting crosspiece (200) is asection of the first fastener (102) where a strap is connected to thefirst fastener (102). A strap according to embodiments of the presentinvention is a structure having a length substantially longer than itswidth that is flexible and used to fasten or secure something such as apayload. Such a strap may be made, for example, out of cloth, fabric,leather, nylon, rubber, a combination thereof, or other materials aswill occur to those of skill in the art. Examples of straps may includeropes, substantially flat strips of material, cords, strings, orcombinations thereof. Such straps may be connected to the first fastener(102) at the connecting crosspiece (200) in FIG. 1 by wrapping such astrap around the connecting crosspiece (200) and fastening the strapback to itself using stitching, glue, brads, rivets, knots, or othermechanisms depending on the material composition of the strap as willoccur to those of skill in the art. The term ‘crosspiece’ is used todescribe the connecting crosspiece because that component spans thewidth of the fastener (102) in FIG. 1 .

The exemplary connecting crosspiece (200) of FIG. 1 is depicted as acircular metal stock for example only and not for limitation. Otherconnecting crosspieces useful to exemplary embodiments of the presentinvention may include a slotted connecting crosspiece. Such a slot mayallow the strap to pass through such an exemplary connecting crosspieceand be held in place by the pressure applied to the strap in or aroundthe slot, which may have a movable component such as a plate that istightened onto the strap by turning a screw or actuator.

The exemplary first fastener (102) of FIG. 1 includes a reversingcrosspiece (202). The reversing crosspiece (202) of FIG. 1 is a sectionof the first fastener (102) used to reverse the wrapping direction ofthe strap around a payload. For example, the strap attached at theconnecting crosspiece (200) of FIG. 1 could wrap around a payloadbeneath the fastener (102) which would extend the strap in the directionto the right of FIG. 1 . Then, the strap would continue to wrap aroundthe payload and approach the fastener (102) of FIG. 1 from the left sideof FIG. 1 . The strap would be threaded around the reversing crosspiece(202) of FIG. 1 between the reversing crosspiece (202) and theconnecting crosspiece (200) and then pulled back toward the left side ofFIG. 1 , thereby reversing the wrapping direction. Examples of reversingthe wrapping direction of a strap using the reversing crosspiece (202)of FIG. 1 are shown with respect to FIGS. 2A-C. The reversing crosspiece(202) of FIG. 1 is depicted with an arc—this is for example only and notfor limitation. Other examples of a reversing crosspiece useful inembodiments of the present invention may include a straight reversingcrosspiece. Other examples of a reversing crosspiece useful inembodiments of the present invention may include one or more smallrolling cylindrical collars around the main shaft of a reversingcrosspiece to reduce the friction of a strap as it is pulled around thereversing crosspiece.

The exemplary first fastener (102) of FIG. 1 also includes hanger (204)capable of attaching to a payload by hooking on the payload. Theexemplary hanger (204) of FIG. 1 is formed from two hook spurs (204A and204C) and a hook crosspiece (204B) connecting the distal ends of the twohook spurs (204A and 204C). The hook spurs (204A and 204C) of FIG. 1 areprojection members angled with respect to the rest of the fastener (102)back across the body of the fastener (102) to form a claw capable ofhooking onto a payload. The hook crosspiece (204B) of FIG. 1 adds to thestrength and stability of the hook spurs (204A and 204C) form the hanger(204). The hanger (204) of FIG. 1 is exemplary in nature and otherhangers useful in the present invention may only have the hook spurs—oronly one hook spur—without having an additional hook crosspiece. Anexample of hooking the hanger (204) of FIG. 1 on a payload is shown withrespect to FIG. 3C.

In the example of FIG. 1 , the connecting crosspiece (200), thereversing crosspiece (202), and the hanger (204) are connected togetheron each side by lateral members (206A and 206B). These lateral members(206A and 206B) of FIG. 1 form and are the frame that hold theconnecting crosspiece (200), the reversing crosspiece (202), and thehanger (204) in their respective positions. In FIG. 1 , each side of theconnecting crosspiece (200), the reversing crosspiece (202), and thehanger (204) are connected to these lateral members (206A and 206B).

The components of the exemplary fastener (102) in FIG. 1 —that is theconnecting crosspiece (200), the reversing crosspiece (202), the hanger(204), and the lateral members (206A and 206B)—are all formed from thesame circular metal stock. This is of course for example and not forlimitation. The various components of an exemplary first fastener usefulin embodiments of the present invention do not have to made out of metalor even the same materials. For example, the fastener (102) of FIG. 1could have been made out of plastics or a combination of plastics andmetal that may have employed a variety of geometric cross sections suchas, a square, a rectangle, a oval, a triangle, or other shape.

Turning to FIGS. 2A-D, FIGS. 2A-C depict the interaction of variouscomponents of the fastener (102) from FIG. 1 with an exemplary strapaccording to embodiments of the present invention. Accordingly, FIGS.2A-D set forth a line drawing illustrating a perspective view of anexemplary strap system for securing a payload according to embodimentsof the present invention.

In the example of FIGS. 2A-D, the strap system includes the firstfastener (102) from FIG. 1 . A fastener is any of a variety of devicesfor holding together two objects or parts sometimes required to beseparate. Fasteners capable of being adapted for use in presentembodiments of the invention may include loops, rings, snaps, hooks andeyes, hooks alone, hook and loop fasteners such as Velcro®, and so on.In the example of FIGS. 1A-C, the first fastener (102) has a connectingcrosspiece (200 on FIG. 1 ) to which the strap (100) of FIGS. 2A-C isattached. The fastener (102) of FIG. 1 is designed so that the strap canpass through the fastener (102) and around the reversing crosspiece (202on FIG. 1 ) and subsequently reverse the wrapping direction. When pulledin the reverse direction, the strap (100) of FIGS. 2A-C cinches aroundthe payload.

The exemplary strap (100) of FIGS. 2A-D includes an elastic strapsection (104) connected to the connecting crosspiece (200 on FIG. 1 ) ofthe first fastener (102) at one end of the elastic strap section (104).The elastic strap section (104) of FIGS. 2A-C is a portion of the strap(100) that stretches to keep force against the payload so as to increasethe security afforded by the strap (100) for the particular payloadbeing secured. By having this particular elastic strap section (104) inthe exemplary strap (100) of FIGS. 2A-C, the payload's security will beenhanced because there will be a constant tension on the payloadprovided by the elastic nature of the elastic strap section (104). Theelastic strap section (104) of FIGS. 2A-C may be implemented usingbungee cord, rubber, stretchable silicone, elastic polymers, and anyother stretchable material as will occur to those of skill in the art.

The elastic strap section (104) of FIGS. 2A-D is connected to the firstfastener (102) by stitching the elastic strap section (104) around theconnecting crosspiece (200 on FIG. 1 ) of the fastener (102). Of course,this type of connection is for example only and not for limitation. Anelastic strap section may connect to the first fastener in exemplaryembodiments of the present invention in a variety of ways such as atension connecter, clasps, clips, and any other mechanism as will occurto those of skill in the art.

In the example of FIGS. 2A-D, the exemplary strap (100) includes aninelastic strap section (106) connected to the elastic strap section(104) at an opposite end of the elastic strap section (104) as the firstfastener (102). The inelastic strap section (106) of FIGS. 2A-C is aflexible portion of the strap (100) that resists stretching to provide astable platform for the inelastic strap section (106) to attach toitself. The inelastic strap section (106) of FIGS. 2A-C may beimplemented using nylon, leather, inelastic polymers, and any otherflexible, inelastic material as will occur to those of skill in the art.The ratio of the length of the elastic strap section (104) to the lengthof the inelastic strap section (106) in exemplary embodiments of thepresent invention may vary based on a variety of factors. Such factorsmay include the size of the payload being secured by the strap system(100) of FIG. 2A. Sizing the length of the elastic strap section (104)in FIG. 2A such that the elastic strap section (104) may be stretchedaround most of the payload facilitates cinching the strap around thepayload. While sizing the length of the inelastic strap section (106) inFIG. 2A such that the inelastic strap section (106) may be wrappedaround the payload or having enough of the inelastic strap section (106)to reverse back through the fastener (102) and attach back to itselffacilitates securing the payload. Other factors as will occur to thoseof skill in the art may also assist in determining the optimal rationbetween the elastic strap section (104) and the inelastic strap section(106).

The exemplary strap (100) of FIGS. 2A-D also includes a second fastener(108) configured along the inelastic strap section (106) to secure theinelastic strap section (106) to the inelastic strap section (106) whenthe strap (100) is wrapped around the payload. The second fastener (108)of FIGS. 2A-C is implemented as a hook and loop fastener system that hashooks (110) configured along both sides of the inelastic strap section(106) at a farthest region from the elastic strap section (104) andloops (112) configured along both sides of the inelastic strap section(106) at a closest region to the elastic strap section (104). The ratiobetween hooks and loops in exemplary embodiments of the presentinvention may vary based on application such as the ideal size of thepayload for use the with any particular exemplary strap system, theratio between the lengths of the elastic strap section to the inelasticstrap section, the force applied on the strap system by the payload asthe payload resists being bound by the strap system, and other factorsas will occur to those of skill in the art.

Implementing the second fastener (108) with the hooks (110) and loops(112) on the same side of the inelastic strap section (106) as shown inFIGS. 2A-C allows the strap (100) to pass through the first fastener(102) and fold back on itself so that the hooks (110) mesh with theloops (112)—thereby securing the inelastic strap section (106) to itselfas shown in FIGS. 2B and 2D. In the example of FIG. 2D, the elasticstrap section (104) is stretched around the payload (222) and theinelastic strap section (106) is looped around the reversing crosspiece(202 on FIG. 1 ) of the fastener (102). In this way, the fastener (102)allows the inelastic strap section (106) to fold back on itself and besecured on the same side of the inelastic strap section (106) usingfastener (108). The payload (222) of FIG. 2D is the excess straps from aratchet strap system, but this is for example and not for limitation.

As mentioned above, the hooks (110) and loops (112) of FIGS. 2A-C areconfigured along both sides of the inelastic strap section (106). Havingthe hooks (110) and loops (112) on opposite sides allows the as in FIGS.2A-C allows the inelastic strap section (106) to be secured to itselfwhen the inelastic strap section (106) wraps around in such a way as toform the entire outer circumference of the strap (100) as shown in FIG.2C.

Turning now to further exemplary embodiments of the present invention,FIGS. 3A-C set forth line drawings illustrating a perspective view ofthe exemplary strap system of FIGS. 2A-C for securing a payloadaccording to embodiments of the present invention but turned over on itsother side—that is, the hanger (204 on FIG. 1 ) is turned toward thepayload. As mentioned, the strap system of FIGS. 3A-C includes the firstfastener (102) with the hanger (204 on FIG. 1 ) turned toward thepayload. This allows the strap (100) of FIGS. 3A-C to easily hook ontopayload (220), which in this example, is implemented as the excesslength of another tie-down strap. Although, those of skill in the artwill recognize that the payload could be a variety of other types ofpayloads.

In the example of FIGS. 3A-C, the strap (100) includes the elastic strapsection (104) connected to the first fastener (102) at one end of theelastic strap section (104). The strap (100) of FIGS. 3A-C also includesan inelastic strap section (106) connected to the elastic strap section(104) at an opposite end of the elastic strap section (104) as the firstfastener (102).

The strap (100) of FIGS. 3A-C includes the second fastener (108)configured along the inelastic strap section (106) to secure theinelastic strap section (106) to the inelastic strap section (106). Asmentioned before, the second fastener (108) of FIGS. 3A-C is implementedwith hooks and loops configured on both sides of the inelastic strapsection (106). Having hooks and loops configured on the opposite sidesof the inelastic strap section (106) allows the inelastic strap section(106) to connect to itself without utilizing the reversing crosspiece(202 on FIG. 1 ) to make the inelastic strap section (106) fold back onitself because the reversing crosspiece (202 on FIG. 1 ) is nottypically used when the hanger (204 on FIG. 1 ) is attached to a payloadas shown in FIG. 3C. The strap (100) in the exemplary FIGS. 3A-C is justwrapped around and around the payload and secured with the hook and loopfastener (108) in this example. In this way, the strap (100) of FIGS.3A-C typically does not fold back on itself to mesh the hooks with theloops. Rather, the hooks and loops of the second fastener (108) of FIGS.3A-C mesh together when the inelastic strap section (106) completelyforms the outer circumference of the strap (100) when wound around apayload.

In the example of FIG. 3C, the hanger of the first fastener (102) hooksto the excess strap length payload (220) thereby affixing the strap(100) to the payload (220). After the fastener (102) hooks to thepayload (220) of FIG. 3C, an operator can pull the elastic strap section(104) which in turn stretches section (104) cinching the elastic regionof the strap (100) around the payload (220). After the elastic strapsection (104) is cinched around the payload (220) in the example of FIG.3C, the operator can wrap the inelastic strap section (106) around theelastic region (104) to completely cover the elastic strap section (104)and fasten a first portion of the inelastic strap section (106) to asecond portion of the inelastic region (106) to secure the strap (100)in place around the payload (220).

Those of skill in the art will appreciate the benefits of the strapsystem for securing a payload according to embodiments of the presentinvention—especially over any straps having two inelastic sectionssurrounding an elastic section. The advantage of straps according toembodiments of the present invention is that the first couple wraps ofthe strap around a payload operate to cinch the payload together andfurther secure it than would otherwise be available to an operator usinga completely inelastic strap. Moreover, having the elastic portion ofthe strap closest to the payload is important because straps designedwith an inelastic region closest to the payload could not gain thecinching benefits afforded by the straps for securing a payloadaccording to embodiments of the present invention. Rather, strapsdesigned with the inelastic region closest to the payload would beresisting the cinching affording by any elastic region that would beincluded in the strap.

In the examples above, having hooks and loops on both sides of theinelastic strap section of a strap system according to embodiments ofthe present invention provides the most flexibility for an operator.That is, the operator can utilize the reverse crosspiece of the fastenerto connect the strap to itself on the same side of the strap (see FIG.2B) or on opposite sides of the strap (see FIG. 2C) depending on thesize of the payload. Readers will recognize that the size of the payloaddetermines whether the inelastic strap section wraps around onto itselfbecause the inelastic strap section forms the entire outer circumferenceof the payload. In addition, when the operator desires to utilize thehanger feature of the fastener such as in FIG. 3C, having the hooks andloops on opposites sides of the inelastic strap section allows theoperator to connect the strap to itself on opposite sides of the strap.

Of course, having the hook and loop fastener system on both sides of theinelastic section is not the only configuration. Turning to FIGS. 4A-E,FIGS. 4A-E set forth line drawings illustrating top view of both sidesof an exemplary inelastic strap section used in an exemplary strapsystem for securing a payload according to embodiments of the presentinvention. In FIGS. 4A-E, the bottom of the drawings is the end wherethe inelastic region connects with the elastic region of the strapsuseful in embodiments of the present invention. Each of FIGS. 4A-Edepicts both sides of the inelastic strap—side A and side B.

FIG. 4A depicts a configuration of hooks and loops that is similar tothat of FIGS. 2A-C and 3A-C. That is, loops (400) are configured alongboth sides of the inelastic strap section at a closest region to theelastic strap section, and hooks (402) are configured along both sidesof the inelastic strap section at a farthest region from the elasticstrap section.

FIG. 4B depicts a hook and loop fastener system whereby the loops (404)are exclusively configured along one side of the inelastic strap sectionat a closest region to the elastic strap section, and hooks (406) areconfigured along both sides of the inelastic strap section at a farthestregion from the elastic strap section. Of course, FIG. 4A also shows thehooks on both sides and the loops on one side, but not exclusively so.

FIG. 4C depicts a hook and loop fastener system whereby loops (408) areexclusively configured along one side of the inelastic strap section ata closest region to the elastic strap section, and hooks (410) areexclusively configured along the same side of the inelastic strapsection at a farthest region from the elastic strap section. Of course,FIGS. 4A, 4B, and 4D also show the hooks and loops configured on thesame side, but not exclusively so.

FIG. 4D depicts a hook and loop fastener system whereby loops (412) areconfigured along one side of the inelastic strap section at a closestregion to the elastic strap section, and hooks (414) are configuredalong an opposite side of the inelastic strap section at a farthestregion from the elastic strap section. Of course, FIGS. 4A, 4B, and 4Ealso show the hooks and loops configured on opposite sides, but notexclusively so.

FIG. 4E depicts a hook and loop fastener system whereby loops (416) areconfigured along both sides of the inelastic strap section at a closestregion to the elastic strap section, and hooks (418) are exclusivelyconfigured along one side of the inelastic strap section (106) at afarthest region from the elastic strap section (104). Of course, FIG. 4Aalso shows the loops on both sides and the hooks on one side, but notexclusively so.

Turning to FIG. 5 , FIG. 5 sets forth a line drawing illustrating anexemplary method for securing a payload according to embodiments of thepresent invention. The method of securing a payload according to FIG. 5includes positioning (500) a first fastener adjacent to the payload. Thefirst fastener described in FIG. 5 includes a connecting crosspiece, areversing crosspiece, and a hanger capable of attaching to the payload.The connecting crosspiece, the reversing crosspiece, and the hanger ofFIG. 5 are connected together on each side by lateral members.Positioning (500) a first fastener adjacent to the payload according tothe example of FIG. 5 may include hooking the hanger of the firstfastener onto the payload. In some embodiments, however, the hanger isnot hooked to the payload.

The method of securing a payload according to FIG. 5 also includeswrapping (502) a strap around the payload. The strap described in FIG. 5is attached to the connecting crosspiece of the first fastener. Thestrap of FIG. 5 includes an elastic strap section connected to theconnecting crosspiece of the first fastener at one end of the elasticstrap section and an inelastic strap section connected to the elasticstrap section at an opposite end of the elastic strap section as thefirst fastener.

According to FIG. 5 , the method of securing a payload according toembodiments of the present invention also includes cinching (504) theelastic strap section of the strap around the payload.

The method of securing a payload according to FIG. 5 includes wrapping(506) the inelastic strap section of the strap around the elasticregion. Wrapping (506) the inelastic strap section of the strap aroundthe elastic region according to the method of FIG. 5 may includewrapping the strap around the payload in an initial direction, passingthe strap between the connecting crosspiece and the reversing crosspieceof the first fastener, and pulling on the strap in a direction oppositeof the initial direction to tighten the strap around the payload. Inother embodiments, however, wrapping (506) the inelastic strap sectionof the strap around the elastic region according to the method of FIG. 5may include wrapping the strap around the payload in an initialdirection, passing the strap over the first fastener, and pulling on thestrap in that same initial direction to tighten the strap around thepayload.

According to FIG. 5 , the method of securing a payload according toembodiments of the present invention also includes fastening (508) afirst portion of the inelastic strap section of the strap to a secondportion of the inelastic strap section to secure the strap in placearound the payload.

Fastening (508) a first portion of the inelastic strap section of thestrap to a second portion of the inelastic strap section according tothe method of FIG. 5 may include fastening the first portion to thesecond portion on a same side of the strap. Alternatively, fastening(508) a first portion of the inelastic strap section of the strap to asecond portion of the inelastic strap section according to the method ofFIG. 5 may include fastening the first portion to the second portion onan opposite side of the strap.

The exemplary strap systems described herein may be combined to formlarger strap systems useful in embodiments of the present invention. Forexample, FIGS. 6A-B set forth line drawings illustrating perspectiveviews of an exemplary strap system for securing a payload according toembodiments of the present invention that consists of multiple straps.In FIGS. 6A-B, the exemplary strap system includes the first fastener(102) and strap (100) described with reference to FIG. 1 , FIGS. 2A-D,and FIGS. 3A-C, above. The exemplary strap system of FIGS. 6A-B alsoincludes a third fastener (602 on FIG. 6B) having a same structure asthe first fastener (102). The exemplary strap system of FIGS. 6A-B alsoincludes a second strap (600) attached to the third fastener (602 onFIG. 6B) in the same manner as the strap (100) attaches to the firstfastener (102). The second strap (600) of FIGS. 6A-B includes a hook andloop fastener system similar to that of the strap (100).

In FIGS. 6A-B, the second strap (600) attaches to the reversingcrosspiece (202 on FIG. 1 ) of the first fastener (102) by passingthrough the fastener (102) around the reversing crosspiece (202 on FIG.1 ) and by securing to itself using the hook and loop fastener systemfolding back onto the second strap (600) as shown in FIG. 6B. In FIG.6B, the strap (100) is capable of attaching to the third fastener (602)after the strap (100) and second strap wrap (600) around the payload.The strap (100) of FIG. 6B may attach to the third fastener (602) in thesame manner that the second strap (600) attaches to the first fastener(102).

The exemplary strap systems described herein may be combined in otherways to form larger strap systems useful in embodiments of the presentinvention. For example, FIGS. 7A-B set forth line drawings illustratingperspective views of an exemplary strap system for securing a payloadaccording to embodiments of the present invention that consists ofmultiple straps. In FIGS. 7A-B, the exemplary strap system includes thefirst fastener (102) and strap (100) described with reference to FIGS. 1, FIGS. 2A-D, and FIGS. 3A-C, above. The exemplary strap system of FIGS.7A-B also includes a third fastener (702 on FIG. 7B) having a samestructure as the first fastener (102). The exemplary strap system ofFIGS. 7A-B also includes a second strap (700) attached to the thirdfastener (702 on FIG. 7B) in the same manner as the strap (100) attachesto the first fastener (102). The second strap (700) of FIGS. 7A-Bincludes a hook and loop fastener system similar to that of the strap(100).

In FIGS. 7A-B, the first fastener (102) connects to the third fastener(702) by interlocking the hangers of the first fastener (102) and thethird fastener (702). Those of skill in the art will appreciate that thehanger with a hook crosspiece that is smaller in width than the gapbetween the lateral members at the reserving crosspiece will facilitatethe interlocking of the fasteners (102 and 702) and make such aconnection more likely to remain in place when tension is placed on thestrap system because the tip of the hangers will set more deeply insidethe opposite fastener. In FIG. 7B, the strap (100) is capable ofattaching to the second strap (700) after the strap (100) and secondstrap (700) wrap around the payload. The straps (100 and 700) mayattached to one another using the hook and loop fastener systems on eachstrap (100 and 700) by interlocking the hooks on one strap (100) and theloops on the other strap (700), or vice versa.

Readers will recognize the inherent advantages and uses of the variousembodiments of the present invention. As previously mentioned,embodiments of the present invention may be used to secure extra unusedlengths of ratchet straps while in those rachet straps are used intransport. Embodiments of the present invention allow for the neatstorage of rachet straps and eliminate tangles because the exemplarystrap system of the present invention securing cinches those loose endstogether in a fashion that prevents them from become unwound andentangled. Similarly, embodiments of the present invention may be usedto bundle and secure other loose materials such as, for example,extension cords or other elongated flexible materials or structures.Embodiments of the present invention may similarly be used to secureloose materials to fixed objects.

Because of the unique fastener, having a reversing crosspiece andhanger, coupled with the elastic and inelastic sections of the strap,and the fasteners built into both sides of the inelastic section,embodiments of the present invention provide an operator withversatility and ease of use. Such embodiments provide a simple solutionfor handling the tag end of ratchet straps to ensure strap is securewhile in transport and provide gripping strength of the unifiedmaterials working together to secure whatever the strap system may bewrapped around. This provides an inherent grab and hold result that isuseful across all industry segments, especially industrial and consumergoods.

While certain exemplary embodiments have been described in details andshown in the accompanying drawings, it is to be understood that suchembodiments are merely illustrative of and not devised without departingfrom the basic scope thereof, which is determined by the claims thatfollow.

I claim:
 1. A method of securing a payload comprising: positioning afirst fastener adjacent to the payload, wherein the first fastenercomprises a connecting crosspiece, a reversing crosspiece, and a hangercapable of attaching to the payload, wherein the connecting crosspiece,the reversing crosspiece, and the hanger are connected together on eachside by lateral members; wrapping a strap around the payload, whereinthe strap is attached to the connecting crosspiece of the firstfastener, wherein the strap comprises an elastic strap section connectedto the connecting crosspiece of the first fastener at one end of theelastic strap section, wherein the strap comprises an inelastic strapsection connected to the elastic strap section at an opposite end of theelastic strap section as the first fastener; cinching the elastic strapsection of the strap around the payload; wrapping the inelastic strapsection of the strap around the elastic region; and fastening a firstportion of the inelastic strap section of the strap to a second portionof the inelastic strap section to secure the strap in place around thepayload.
 2. The method of claim 1 wherein wrapping a strap around thepayload further comprises: wrapping the strap around the payload in aninitial direction; passing the strap between the connecting crosspieceand the reversing crosspiece of the first fastener; and pulling on thestrap in a direction opposite of the initial direction to tighten thestrap around the payload.
 3. The method of claim 1 wherein wrapping astrap around the payload further comprises: wrapping the strap aroundthe payload in an initial direction; passing the strap over the firstfastener; and pulling on the strap in the initial direction to tightenthe strap around the payload.
 4. The method of claim 1 whereinpositioning a first fastener adjacent to the payload further compriseshooking the hanger of the first fastener onto the payload.
 5. The methodof claim 1 wherein fastening a first portion of the inelastic strapsection of the strap to a second portion of the inelastic strap sectionto secure the strap in place around the payload further comprisesfastening the first portion to the second portion on a same side of thestrap.
 6. The method of claim 1 wherein fastening a first portion of theinelastic strap section of the strap to a second portion of theinelastic strap section to secure the strap in place around the payloadfurther comprises fastening the first portion to the second portion onan opposite side of the strap.